I've just received a copy of National Geographic Magazine, August 2009 issue today from the Editor's office. Needless to say, I was elated to find my image of the Great Egret (a.k.a. "My Holy Grail" shot , see it here) printed on page 6. It's not everyday that your work gets published all over the world, so this is indeed very special for me.
I'd like to share this moment with my friends on FM. To anyone who has ever believed in me, this is for YOU.
Photography has been my hobby for a better part of my life, the camera has been with me on almost all adventures I've been through. Unlike most hobbyists, I was actually schooled in the art of photography more than 25 years ago. I was an adept photographer LONG BEFORE the advent of the PC (or Mac) that runs software such as Photoshop. I had to work extremely hard to make every shot count, the exposure had to be perfect (or very close to perfect) each time.
When I signed up on FM, I just started to get into Bird Photography. I thought I could share my visions (the way I see the world), and experience with the community and learn from each other. However the optimist in me keeps believing that there is some good in everyone. I believe that there's no room for jealousy or envy when you're totally open-minded in any field of art. Always hope for a better world.
Andy Nguyen Love, Peace, and Happiness
Standing in our home studio, where some of our (Hanh's and mine) best shots have been professionally enlarged and framed. Yes, I made it on National Geographic TWICE - two issues in a row!! http://www.ndshow.com/FTP/FM/AndyNguyen_on_NG.jpg
Here's my holy grail as it appeared on National Geographic website. It was chosen as Feb top shot out of more than 350,000 photos submitted by readers. http://www.ndshow.com/FTP/FM/NGM_sc.jpg
How hard are you willing to work to get your shot? I balance my time between studying about bird behaviors, migrations, habitats, climates, geography, and constantly finding ways of improving my techniques (the camera manual serves as coffee table reading material for me, I don't drink coffee, but you get the idea), When I'm in the field, I occasionally have to hike for hours just to get a few shots of birds in the wild (a 6-hour hiking trip up Madera Canyon comes to mind). See my "weapon of choice" . The Nikon D300 and 300mm f4. To me, the equipment is like a tool I use to express my visions through photographic images. Having a "tank-busting" 800mm lens would be great, but not ideal for EVERY situation. http://www.ndshow.com/FTP/FM/Andy_in_the_field.jpg
A BIG Thank You to all of you who commented on the My Holy Grail post. This has got the highest number of views and comments by far on FM, for a single-image post, thanks to you.
PS. Mr. Sanders, I followed your suggestion. Thank you Sir!
Congratz! That is seriously great news! 25 years! Yeah I say you earned it! Incidentally what were ya chasin in Madera Canyon? They have some bust your ass type trails don't they!
Andy, the praise is well deserved. Your hard work has paid off, not only vis a vis being published in Nat Geo, but in the simple fact that you recongnize this shot as the culmination of all of your efforts and one of your finest results. Afterall, we tend to be our own worst critics.
Congrats on being published in the big one and thanks for sharing part of that experience with your friends on FM.
The image truly is a special one; perhaps a once in a lifetime event.
Congratulations on your great achievements Andy and on your openess and quest for perfection. This is well deserved not just for this superb pic but also for your dedication and professionalism.
Well done. I am sure there are more to come too.
Martin
An image that not only we all agreed was excellent but apparently in the eyes of some of the best critics in the world saw it that way too Don't let it stand in the way of your next accomplishment, I am sure there is more to come from you buddy
Best to you my friend..................now continue on your quest for excellence!
, see it 
